Winter is coming. But first fall, and with it all kinds of change.

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the arrival of Fall is a time to ‘let go’, a time for discernment and clarity of purpose, to clear out those things in our lives that no longer contribute to health and balance. We’re transitioning from a period of utmost warmth to colder temperatures and more ‘stillness’ so, just as nature prepares, so we should too.

Our vital energies begin to draw energy in deeper to protect our organs from colder temperatures; our healthy is intrinsically linked to the environment. Maintain health and balance by ensuring your lifestyle reflects the seasonal change. We’ve curated the best ways to prepare for Fall.

Change your moisturizer

Humidity levels drop during colder months which makes the water in your skin evaporate more quickly. It might begin to feel dry and tight. Look for glycerin, which hydrates, or hyaluronic acid, which can hold upto 1000x its own weight in water.

Invest in a new coat

Every Fall/Winter is about the coat, but Fall/Winter ’16 was REALLY about the coat. There were peacoats and duffles, trenches, at Burberry naturally but also at Balenciaga and Céline. Capes were all over the runways, seen at Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and more. At Marques Almeida, super-king size duvet coats flocked down the runway and elsewhere, military was a recurring theme. Shearling accents decorated many a model, like this on this lapel at Calvin Klein:

Photo Credit: Zapata/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

A good coat is the foundation of any Fall/Winter wardrobe. Choose wisely.

Invest in candles

With shorter days comes less light. Play on the dark with uplifting candles in the evenings or in the bathtub. It’s a time for exotic fragrances.

Stock the cupboards

In place of juicy fruits and colourful salads, stock the cupboards with warming spices and herbs, like ginger, cloves, cinnamon and sage. Don’t forget root vegetables, (think potatoes, leeks and butternut squash) ready to blitz into soups. And while you’re at the grocery store, pick up some marshmallows, for those cold nights in with a hot cocoa and a book.

Pumpkin

Start ‘Body Brushing’

It’s Elle Macpherson’s daily ritual, and you can’t argue with that body. Dry skin is an efficient way to improve skin tone, clarity and stimulate lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is an integral part of the immune system, which can take its toll in Fall/Winter. Avoid synthetic brushes and choose a natural one like Mio’s instead. Brush dry skin, starting at the feet and working upwards towards the heart before jumping in the shower.

Writer and expert

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